Lake FISH celebrates new facility, prepares to serve more families amid shutdown

The Lake Township Chamber of Commerce hosted a Morning Connections Road Trip and ribbon cutting Oct. 29 to celebrate Lake Township FISH’s move to its new facility at 13155 Market Ave. N., Suite A, in Hartville.

After introductions by Chamber President Chip Weisel, attendees shared brief presentations and business updates before touring the food pantry. FISH Administrative Assistant Melody McGaha and Director Kelsey Wood addressed the group, sharing information about the pantry’s operations and its readiness to assist residents during the federal government shutdown.

Wood said she has received several messages asking how people can help, especially with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) expected to lose funding starting Nov. 1 due to the shutdown. She explained that while the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank does receive USDA food, which is government-funded, those supplies were ordered months in advance. “We may very well see an increase in clients that arrive to shop on our open days, but without knowing what that looks like, we will just continue operations as normal,” Wood said. “We currently have a healthy back stock of canned goods, and so does the foodbank that we order from.”

Two representatives from the Akron-Canton Foodbank attended the ribbon cutting, showing support for FISH’s continued work. Wood added that the pantry is not directly funded by the government and can provide groceries free of charge to families once every two weeks. She noted that SNAP recipients with remaining funds on their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards may continue to use them for up to a year.

Wood encouraged the community to help by donating money, explaining that FISH can provide three meals for every dollar received. “That’s much more food than can be purchased for a dollar,” she said. Donations can be made online, or food can be dropped off at the facility Mondays from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon.

The move to the new facility was completed Oct. 13 with the help of volunteers, and FISH served its first clients there the next day. Distribution hours are Tuesdays from 10 to 11 a.m. and Thursdays from 6 to 7 p.m. Director Wood said what was expected to be a “soft launch” quickly turned into a regular operation in the first week. “We are so excited to be serving our community in this beautiful place that we have all been praying and working so hard to get ready,” she said.

Before the floors were finished, volunteers were invited to write verses or prayers on the subfloor in what is now the lobby area—“a foundation of prayer, love, and welcoming hidden in the floor where so many people will walk,” Wood said.

Volunteers assembled shelving, painted, cleaned, and organized the pantry space before moving day. Sommers Market assisted by transporting food supplies with pallet jacks and using a forklift to move a large produce cooler. “Thank you to all who have used their hands for painting, cleaning, and the building projects,” Wood said. “Prayers were appreciated for the energy and endurance through the final push.”

On Oct. 18, Agape Bread Ministries moved into the adjoining side of the new building, allowing both areas to open the week of Oct. 20. Agape is open to the public on Wednesdays from 10 to 11 a.m. and Saturdays from 9 to 11 a.m.

“Thank you all so much for your dedication to serve our community,” Wood said. “We could not do this without all of you. Together, we are strong, and I have confidence and peace that we will have enough food to serve those who come through our doors.”